鈥業 think it only makes sense to use our knowledge to make society more resilient鈥�
Cybersecurity expert Savio Sciancalepore studies how to keep wireless communication secure鈥攆rom everyday networks to the satellites orbiting above us. His research also involves close collaboration with companies active in defense technology.
Within the Data Protection Group at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Sciancalepore focuses on cybersecurity for wireless systems such as satellite networks.
A world built on satellites
Modern life depends on satellites: navigation, communication, logistics, weather forecasts鈥攁ll rely on signals from space. Defense organizations are just as dependent on them for navigation and secure communication.
An increasing target
鈥淲hen the first satellites were launched, cybersecurity wasn鈥檛 really on anyone鈥檚 mind,鈥� Sciancalepore says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 completely changed. Attacks on satellites are growing鈥攆rom jamming, which disrupts signals with strong radio interference, to spoofing, where false signals mislead receivers such as ships, aircraft, or cellular mobile phones.鈥�
To counter this, Sciancalepore develops AI-based methods to detect threats early. 鈥淲ith deep learning, we can teach systems to recognize patterns in radio signals so they can tell when something doesn鈥檛 look like normal satellite traffic.鈥�
Advancing science
His research emphasizes the fundamental side of cybersecurity. 鈥淥ur job is to advance science 鈥攖o prove what鈥檚 possible and fill the gaps in what we know.鈥�
But the work doesn鈥檛 stop at theory. His group builds proofs of concept that show how an idea can function in practice. 鈥淚t鈥檚 then up to companies to turn those ideas into real-world products.鈥�
Collaboration with industry
Companies regularly seek out his expertise. 鈥淲hen you work in this field, you naturally connect with organizations eager to apply your knowledge,鈥� he says. His team partners with firms developing drones, naval systems, and related software.
He frequently applies for defense-related research calls. 鈥淚 always try to find a balance between their needs and our academic goals鈥攖hat way, we maintain as much research freedom as possible.鈥�
Two sides of the same coin
Sciancalepore is aware of the dual nature of his discipline. 鈥淚n cybersecurity, everything has a dual use. There鈥檚 always an attacker and a defender鈥攁nd both draw on the same knowledge.鈥�
In a world shaped by geopolitical tension, cyberattacks on civilian infrastructure, and interference with satellite communications, he sees a clear role for universities. 鈥淲e need to be able to defend ourselves against potential attacks. It only makes sense that our research contributes to society鈥檚 resilience.鈥�